Your Hearts Will Rejoice May 26

Prayer

Jesus, when we put our trust in material things, any happiness we get is temporary. These possessions can be blown away or destroyed in a second by a storm, fire or flood. You can take these away from us. Help us to put our trust in your permanent love that will give us life and joy. You will never take these away from us. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/052606.shtml

“So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” John 16:20

Yesterday I drove into New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck. Seeing the images in newspapers or on television does not adequately express the devastation. Later today, we will tour the hardest hit sections of the city.

Ten miles east, on I-10, the trees on the south side of the highway are all dead, twisted and rotting. Yet on the north side, there is new life already. The destructive forces of the storm become more evident as you enter the city. Trees are bent in half but despite that, some are not broken. Windows and roofs are missing. PODS and dumpsters line the streets. In some places apartments have new windows but the trash is still strewn in front yards and streets nine months after the storm.

Getting around the city for the visitor is hampered by a lack of street signs and traffic lights. That is the least of the worries for the people who live here. Entire houses and businesses which were cornerstones in the community no longer stand.

Talking to some who live here, they immediately took to the task of rebuilding. Even without yet getting to the poorest neighborhoods, you can see that reality is based upon income and location.

The anguish the residents feel is evident with the view of the city we see. However, the attitude of the people is upbeat and positive. Many businesses are open and clean-up and security work is evident all around as they rebuild.

However, the experience drives home how our lives today still reflect the timeless message in scripture.

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As you mark Memorial Day Weekend, remember all your blessings and keep in mind that Katrina victims in our midst as well as those in parishes throughout New Orleans and spread across the country also need our help.